Grain thrower machine

Types of grain thrower machine

The grain thrower machine, also known as the grain auger, is used in agricultural industries to throw grains into a specific direction or place such as a storage facility or a tractor. It is a machine made up of a tube or channel with a helical auger or screw positioned inside it. The helix is powered by a motor, which causes it to rotate. When the helix rotates, it pulls the grain from the inlet and throws it out from the outlet through the action of pushing and lifting.

There are manifold variations of the grain auger based on usage and functioning:

• Based on operation method

  Grain augers are electrically powered or powered by gasoline or diesel. Electrical grain augers are mainly used in farms with electrical supply. Power-operated grain augers are used in remote places where electric power can't be used.

• Based on the design of the grain thrower auger

  Tubular grain augers have a protective tube and are mainly used for conveying grain over a large distance. Transport grain augers are designed to be portable and are used to move grain from one place to another. Pit augers are installed in pits to convey grain vertically upwards. They are also known as vertical grain augers. Screw conveyors do not have a tube and are generally used for conveying materials with a large size.

• Based on the conveying mechanism

  The screw conveyors/augers throw the grains by the rotation of the helical screw inside them. Belt conveyors use a belt to transport the grain and are used for agricultural work over short distances. Bucket conveyors use buckets fixed to a belt, and they are used for transportation at high vertical distances.

• Based on the mounting mechanism

  Grain thrower augers that stand on their own are generally used for unloading grain from trucks into silos. Hand-held grain thrower machines are used throw grains in specific portions. Mounted grain throwers attached to tractors are used to spread grains in a large area, which is also known as spreading.

• Based on the auger material

  Grain augers made of stainless steel are more durable and are used for high-volume grain handling. Heavy-duty grain augers, on the other hand, are made of galvanized steel, which is suitable for grain handling with large volumes at higher speeds.

Specifications & Maintenance of Grain Thrower Machines

The performance of a grain air thrower machine depends on a number of specifications. These include the power and pressure pump, the capacity or flow rate of the machine, its throwing distance, and the dimensions and weight of the thrower.

Whether it is a fuel-powered grain thrower or an electric one, the machine needs to be properly maintained. Here are a few grain spreader thrower machine maintenance tips:

• Pre-Operation Checks: Always carry out a pre-operation inspection. Check for loose parts, damage, and any missing components. Look for any grain build-up and remove it. Check all belts and chains and ensure they are properly adjusted.
• Lubrication: Lubricate all moving parts as advised by the manufacturer's manual. Usually, lubricating grease is applied to bearing points, chains, and belts. Running the machine dry before stopping can help prevent the build-up of grain during storage.
• Adjustments: Parts like the flow rate of the grain and the throwing distance should be adjusted based on the type and condition of the crop. Use the machine's manual to make necessary adjustments to maximize efficiency.
• Cleaning: Cleaning the grain thrower thoroughly after use is an important maintenance step. Use compressed air or a leaf blower to clean hard-to-reach areas. Pay attention to the auger and discharge area where grain can get stuck and rot.
• Storage: When not in use, store the thrower in a dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. This prevents damage to the motor and fuel lines. It's better if the machine is hanged or placed on a rack to keep it away from the ground.
• Repairs: Regular maintenance includes lubrication and cleaning. If the machine requires repairs, damaged parts should be replaced immediately. Using genuine parts ensures the longevity of the grain thrower.

Scenarios

Industrial grain throwers have become essential pieces of machinery for farmers with large-scale farming operations. In the past, livestock farmers used manual grain throwers mostly for swine. Nowadays, poultry farmers use very sophisticated and automated corn throwers for poultry feed. These automated throwers have sped up the process in poultry farms. Grain throwers are already built into conveyor systems and feeding chutes so that grain is distributed evenly, and poultry does not fight over food.

Farmers who grow their own feed may need grain throwers for silage, which is usually made from fermented grasses. Farm-feed processing plants use grain throwers for different types of grains when they are still raw to mix them with additives. Plants such as rubber or palm oil extract may also be added for livestock purposes. Throwers may be used for transport or mixing.

Grain throwers are popular in ports and shipping warehouses, where large quantities of grains may easily be moved from storage facilities to shipping containers or ships with the help of grain throwers. Flour mills, bakeries, and candy factories use grain throwers to move grains from storage facilities to production lines. Heavy-duty industrial grain throwers help save time and maintain production lines. Employees do not have to stop what they are doing to get more grains from storage areas. Gravity feed, belt feeders, and bucketing systems are preferred conveyor systems.

Customs officials use grain throwers when inspecting shipments of grains to see if there are foreign objects or insects present. Some throwers have sieves or grills that allow inspectors to see if any foreign objects are on the grill so they can be examined. Insect infestations can be quickly identified and contained before grains are offloaded.

Construction sites sometimes use grain throwers for rice, as it is the cheapest source of food for farm workers. Inflamed bags of rice may be broken and dispersed with grain throwers instead of manually breaking them. Feeding chutes and bags convey systems are often used in construction sites.

Besides agriculture, food processing, and construction industries, any industry that handles bulk solid materials with similar sizes, shapes, and flow characteristics can benefit from grain throwers. These include the chemical, mineral, and customized processing industries.

How to choose a grain thrower machine

• Understand the needs:

  Knowing the needs is the key factor when selecting a grain thrower machine. Farm owners and livestock feeders should consider the type of grains to be thrown, the amount of grain needed per time, and the location of the feeding task. For example, they could require a machine that can handle large volumes of maize and cover a long distance in a single operation.

• Pay attention to machine capacity:

  Machine capacity is usually calculated in tons per hour. Selecting a machine with the right capacity can save time and labor costs. A grain thrower machine with a high capacity can meet the production needs of large-scale farms.

• Consider the power source:

  Grain thrower machines can be powered by different sources, such as electricity, gasoline engines, diesel engines, and tractor power take-off (PTO). The choice of power source may depend on the availability of different fuels on the farm and power needs.

• Evaluate machine features:

  Features like adjustable throwing distance and speed, automatic and semi-automatic modes, safety features, and ease of maintenance can determine the efficiency and convenience of using the grain thrower machine.

• Choose a reputable brand:

  A machine with good build quality, dependable performance, and after-sales support can last longer and offer better value.

Grain Thrower Machine Q&A

Q1: What is the difference between pneumatic and mechanical grain thrower machines?

A1: Grain thrower machines can be categorized as either mechanical or pneumatic. Mechanical machines use motors and belts to transport grain, while pneumatic machines use air pressure and tubes.

Q2: What are the safety measures for operating a grain thrower machine?

A2: Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), like safety goggles and ear protection. Avoid standing directly in front of or behind the thrower while it's in operation. Be familiar with the grain thrower machine's emergency shut-off controls and take relieved from the machine all strictly advised to avoid disable further injuries.

Q3: Can people customize their grain thrower machines?

A3: Yes, but it's best to consult an expert to ensure the modifications are safe and functional. Common customizations include adding a different type of engine or adjusting the throwing range and height.

Q4: How can someone enhance the performance of their grain thrower machine?

A4: Regular maintenance and timely repairs are the keys to optimal performance. Also, using suitable quality grains and adjusting the thrower settings for specific grain types can improve efficiency. Thrower operators can also read the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines.

Q5: What are the limitations of a grain thrower machine?

A5: Grain thrower machines may not handle different types of grains. They may also be limited by throwing distance and accuracy, depending on the machine's model and specifications.